Forging University % Anderson Shumaker Company

Welcome to Forging University!

Welcome to Forging University, a new Anderson Shumaker blog mini-series. In 5 sessions, we’ll take a deep dive into the forging process. For example, we’ll see how it compares to other popular metalworking techniques. Today marks the first full week of 2019. Our doors are open, our furnaces are fired-up, and we’re ready to get back at it. At Anderson Shumaker, forging metal is our passion. But, have you ever wondered why forging is a top choice for metalworking?

Forging Firsts

First, let’s take a little trip back in time: humankind learned to forge metal around 3000 BCE. Early forged items included tools, weapons, and personal adornments. When forging metals, early blacksmiths looked for reliability, quality, strength, and toughness. Metals possessing these qualities would withstand the test of time. Consequently, these qualities still remain the main desired outcomes in modern forging. By its definition, modern forging pounds heated metal with heavy machinery. This compresses the metal into a new shape. As a result, the metal’s impurities are greatly compressed, which enhances its final metallurgical structure. Forging metal creates better fatigue, ductility, and impact resistance. This is because forging optimizes a metal’s grain flow according to its final shape. Because almost all metals are forgeable, this is a huge advantage over other metalworking methods.

Forging Choices

At Anderson Shumaker, we specialize in open die forging and ring rolling. Open die forging is the process of deforming metal between multiple dies. These dies do not enclose metal entirely. The dies hammer the metal through a series of movements. This alter the metal’s dimensions until the dies achieve the desired shape.

However, forging isn’t the only choice for metalworking. Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce you to a variety of metalworking options and show you why forging is a superior choice when compared to other metalworking techniques. Topics covered include: open die forging. closed die forging, fabrication, casting, torch cutting, and more!